Coach: Sean Strickland Lost 'Optics Battle' Against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297

Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis’ camps have the utmost respect for each other following their UFC 297 clash.

Strickland defended his middleweight strap agianst Du Plessis in the main event at UFC 297 last weekend in Toronto. Following a lot of drama, ranging from trash talk to a brawl leading up to the fight, the two delivered a competitive bout on fight night. “Stillknocks” eventually secured a closely-contested split-decision win to be crowned the new middleweight champ.

Strickland’s coach, Eric Nicksick believes his fighter did enough to get his hand raised against Du Plessis. However, the renowned trainer also thinks Strickland needed to win the “optics battle,” as it was an extremely close contest.

“Congratulations to [Dricus Du Plessis] and his team. I never met a more classy opposing fighter during fight week, along with the skills to back it up. I’m happy for you, your team, and your country, you made them proud,” said Nicksick in a social media post.

“The fight was close. Close fights mean we needed to win the optics battle. Live, I had us winning 1,2, & 5, but all that matters are the [three] cage side. I’ll watch it again, to see where we/I can be better. Much love to everyone who supported us. On to the next!!”

Meanwhile, Du Plessis commented on Nicksick’s post in a show of mutual class and respect.

“Thank you so much for the kind words coach, you and the team are incredible, and it was an honor to battle the best in the business,” he wrote. “Thank you for the war and the true warrior like respect before and after the war.”

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